In a condolence message to the singer's daughter Sumita Deb, the president said: "In the passing away of Manna Dey, the nation has lost a veteran playback singer, a versatile artist of extraordinary ability, and a creative genius who mesmerised listeners with his enchanting voice."

"The unique style of singing of this multi-talented singer shall always be remembered. The melodious songs sung in several languages that he has left behind will continue to enthral music lovers forever," he said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the demise of the king of melody Manna Dey. An accomplished singer with a unique voice, he was multi-talented and excelled in Rabindra Sangeet and various other forms of popular music."

Vice President M. Hamid Ansari said: "We have lost an outstanding singer whose versatility and creative performances will be remembered for a very long time to come. With his departure, an era has ended and the music world finds itself poorer today."

Manna Dey died in the early hours of Thursday at Narayan Hospital in Bangalore after a prolonged illness. The multi-lingual singer was ailing for four months. He was 94.

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